Amblyopia

Amblyopia

Sometimes called “lazy eye,” amblyopia is a vision problem that affects 2-3% of the population. The condition refers to one eye having significantly lower visual acuity than the other. If left untreated, the brain will eventually stop processing the blurry images from the weak eye, becoming fully dependent on the stronger one. This can result in problems with both clarity and depth perception.

Amblyopia is more easily treated in children under the age of six, so early diagnosis is important.

Causes

Amblyopia can be caused by trauma to one eye, by a large refractive difference in vision between the two eyes, or by strabismus (where the eyes cross or one wanders).

Treatment

Bonner Eye Clinic can help you treat your own or your child’s amblyopia. Vision exercises may help, and patching can teach the brain to use the weaker eye. Glasses that take the difference in prescription into account can also help. In some cases, surgery may be required to adjust the muscles of the eye.

Amblyopia will not correct itself; in fact, it will progressively worsen, eventually resulting in functional blindness in the weak eye. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive the care you or your child will need.